Great Lakes Chamber Players
Michigan Classical Wedding Music

Wedding Ceremony Music Selections

The Great Lakes Chamber Players specializes in in high quality classical music for weddings but our musicians can perform popular and jazz tunes as well. We also have arrangements of the same pieces for different combinations of instruments, such as string quartets, trio, and duets. In other words, we strive to be as flexible as possible to accommodate the vision wedding couples have for their big day. 

We can also perform more contemporary music such as rock, pop, jazz, and Broadway. Please contact us for more information.

We have compiled some selections to help you choose the perfect music for your special day. Below is a partial list of songs and pieces that can be performed by most combinations of instruments (ensembles). We have included some music samples so you can envision the processional and recessional music. For more ideas regarding how music fits into the ceremony, see our Wedding Music Ceremony Outline page or the Catholic wedding music outline.

Wedding Music Samples
(© Great Lakes Chamber Players. Music can be downloaded for personal use only.) Click on a piece to listen!

Canon in D major by Johann Pachelbel
Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke
Trumpet Tune by Henry Purcell
Wedding March by Wagner
Rondeau by Mouret
Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn

Typical Prelude/Postlude Music

Mozart Divertimentos
Mozart Quartets
Beethoven Quartets
Haydn Quartets
Concerto Grossi by Bach, Vivaldi, Corelli, and Handel
Arrangements of Movements of Cantatas by J.S. Bach (Wachet Auf, Sheep May Safely Graze, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring)
Water Music by Handel
Arrangements of Brandenburg Concertos by Bach
Four Seasons by Vivaldi

Seating of the Mothers

Ave Maria by Schubert or Bach/Gounod
Xerxes by Handel
Traumeri by Schumann
Wachet Auf by Bach
Sheep May Safely Graze by Bach
Entrance of the Queen of Sheba by Handel
Arioso by Bach
Panis Angelicus by Cesar Franck
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Air on a G String by Bach
Canon in D by Pachelbel
Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 by Mozart
Winter from Four Seasons by Vivaldi
Clair de Lune by Debussy
Slow movement from a Mozart Quartet

Processional for Attendants and Bride

Alleluja from "Exultate Jubilate" by Mozart
Trumpet Tune by Purcell
Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke
Spring from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi
Canon in D by Pachelbel
Sinfonia from Water Music Suite by Handel
Jesu, Joy of Man's desiring by Bach
Wedding March by Wager (aka "Here Comes the Bride")
Clair de Lune by Debussy

Lighting Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony

It is common to request a song that is special to the bride and groom. Ask for details.
Air from Orchestral Suite in D major by Bach
Clair de Lune by Debussy
A slow movement from a Mozart String Quartet

Recessional Music

Ode to Joy by Beethoven (from Symphony No. 9)
Hornpipe from Water Music Suite by Handel
Wedding March by Feliz Mendelssohn
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by Bach
Rondeau by Mouret
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart
A fast movement from a Mozart String Quartet
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